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What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.

What's on in Portsmouth, Southampton & Winchester?

2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do.  The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront  — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.

What's on in the Hampshire countryside?

Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.

Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Top Events in Hampshire

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.

What's on in Hampshire this weekend?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Inspiration

  1. BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair
    1. 1 May 20263 May 2026
  2. Winchester Books Festival 2026
    Winchester is a city steeped in history and with…
    1. 17 Apr 202619 Apr 2026

Number of results:

Number of results: 149

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Round the Island Race

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Cowes

    Isle of Wight sailing race The annual Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight. The race regularly attracts over 1,000 boats and thousands of sailors, making it one of the largest…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026
  2. Archaeology - Stone Age

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Romsey

    Be an archaeologist and join us at our purpose-built trench in the woods to find hidden treasures from ages past.
    Study some Stone Age artefacts to work out what they were used for. You'll be surprised! Learn about the Stone Age in more detail by…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  3. The Romsey Show

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Romsey

    The Romsey Show takes place in September at Broadlands in Romsey. The Show is one of the largest one-day country shows in the South and is run by a large team of dedicated volunteers. The show provides a fantastic day out with something for all the…

    Venue

    Broadlands, Test Valley

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026
  4. Isle of Wight Open Studios

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Islandwide

    Open studios on the Isle of Wight Isle of Wight Open Studios continues to grow as a cornerstone of the Isle of Wight’s cultural calendar. From 15 - 25 May 2026, this vibrant 11 day celebration of art will once again open doors across the island,…

    Dates

    From:
    15 May 2026to25 May 2026
  5. Isle of Wight Chess Masters

    Type

    Type:

    Competition / Game

    Ryde

    Isle of Wight Chess Masters 2026 Chess takes centre stage on the Isle of Wight between the 16 - 22 February 2026 when the Wightlink Isle of Wight Chess Tournament takes place in Ryde.

    Elite chess players With over 30 chess masters taking…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Feb 2026to22 Feb 2026
  6. Sandown Illuminated Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Sandown

    Sandown Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the fun and spectacle of Sandown's Illuminated Carnival!

    Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    26 Aug 2026
  7. Mother’s Day Bubble Afternoon Tea & Sunday Roast

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Oakley, Basingstoke

    This Mother's Day, you can sit back and relax at Oakley Hall letting our family take care of yours. Whether you're looking to enjoy a sumptuous Afternoon Tea or wanting a delicious three course meal, there's something for all to enjoy this March!

    Dates

    From:
    14 Mar 2026
    From:
    15 Mar 2026
  8. Midsummer Music Cruise with The Dinner Set

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, complete with musical accompaniment, and seeing the departing cruise ships – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!

    Enjoy an evening in the company of The Dinner Set, two…

    Dates

    From:
    26 June 2026Open 18:30 - 21:30
  9. Ventnor Children's Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ventnor

    Children's Carnival in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight Fun for all the family at Ventnor Children's Carnival! 

    Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026
  10. Forest Bathing

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Romsey

    Experience the serenity of Forest Bathing.

    This serene three-hour sensory journey is skilfully led by certified guide, Sonya Dibbin, and is rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku.

    By awakening your senses, slowing down and connecting…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Mar 2026Open 10:30 - 13:30
  11. Santa Show

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Farnham

    Join our interactive Santa Show, with a new theme each year, perfect for a magical Christmas treat for the whole family. Your ticket includes both the festive show and a present!

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
  12. £10 Sunday Roasts

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Whiteley, Fareham


    £10 Sunday Roasts

    Available every Sunday from 4th January at The Parsons Collar Pub
    Celebrate Sunday with a tasty £10 treat!
    When they are gone they are gone!
    Book - lodge@solenthotel.co.uk

    Dates

    From:
    4 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
  13. Robot Fleet Adventures at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Portsmouth

    Step aboard for a hands-on robotics adventure! Take control of Indi and RVR+ robots to tackle Navy-themed puzzles, design challenges, and missions in a fast-paced, coding adventure.

    Guide the clever Indi robot through the Royal Navy, decoding the…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
  14. Royal Isle of Wight County Show

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Northwood

    Historic county show on the Isle of Wight Get ready for a field full of fun at The Royal Isle of Wight County Show. It’s 37 acres of entertainment – from adorable animals to exciting events and hands-on activities. 

    Since 1833 the show has…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to12 July 2026Various Opening Times
  15. Cinema Nights at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

    Type

    Type:

    Cinema

    London Road, Whitchurch

    Head along for a unique setting for a cinema night, at one of the upcoming Cinema Nights at Bombay Sapphire Distillery and get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Mar 2026Open 17:00 - 20:00
  16. Painting party at Clavio Lounge with The Paint Club

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Petersfield

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Feb 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    26 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    23 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    28 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    25 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    23 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    27 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  17. Cheese Chase Challenge onboard HMS Warrior

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Portsmouth

    Build a maze, program your mouse, and race it to the cheese! A hands-on, screen-free adventure that turns coding into playful problem-solving with DXC.

    Step into the world of coding with the Code & Go Mouse! Children will design and build their own…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
    From:
    19 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
    From:
    20 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
  18. Egg-citing Easter Adventure

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Farnham

    Hop to Birdworld this Easter for an egg-citing hunt! Explore the Park, discover hidden eggs, and collect letters at each stop to spell a secret word. Solve the puzzle and claim a delicious chocolate treat.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to12 Apr 2026
  19. Disney And Pixar Cars

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    New Forest

    Some of the world's most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise cruise into the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu from 25th October 2025 to 12th April 2026!

    Some very special guests are making a pit stop at the National Motor Museum…

    Dates

    From:
    25 Oct 2025to12 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  20. Curious About Portsmouth

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    The Hard, Portsmouth

    Have fun (re-)discovering Portsmouth, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out about this fascinating port. Curious About…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026